Freelance arts professional Caroline Sherratt’s work has reached tens of thousands of people, she has worked in theatres across the UK and has compered one of the region’s biggest dance festivals for the past 12 years.

The 38-year-old’s most recent work has been at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre with the aim of reaching new audiences and breaking down barriers. She’s successfully bid for £123, 562 in funding awards from various sources.

This includes an award of £98, 280 for a two-year MAC community day project that offers free film and crafts with BSL and audio description. The two-year project partners with Staffordshire Sight Loss, North Staffs Pensioners’ Convention and Able Stoke.

Caroline has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.

She said: “I am applying for this award as I have worked for my own business in community arts for 16 years. I have done this by taking risks, focusing on the future, building a good reputation and every single opportunity either abroad, with the theatres I work at or the people I have met has been a contribution to creating and maintaining a sustainable business.

“Over the 16 years of working freelance, the Artscool project I launched in 2014 has reached over 14,000 people, TPS Dance Company has a reach of over 2,000 people on social media, has directly reached 5,000 people and over 100 volunteers.

“My freelance work in the community has reached seven theatres across the UK and worked with over 1,000 young people. I have compered one of the biggest dance festivals in the midlands for 12 years running.

“I am a born and bred Stokie who travelled the world to set up my business in a place that matters to me and that is full of creative opportunities. I am proud to have created a sustainable career in the arts in Stoke-on-Trent.”